Well Casing Heads, Systems, and Methods for Removing Fluid from Earth about an Underground Platform

ABSTRACT

Well casing heads are provided that can include: a housing defining a first opening at the first end and a second opening at the second end, the first diameter of the first opening being greater than the second diameter of the second opening; and at least one fluid passageway extending through a wall of the housing and into the second opening. Well casing systems within a wall of an underground platform are also provided. The systems can include: a well casing head; a pair of tubular members about each other extending from the well casing head into a wall of the platform; and a void between the two members, the void extending from within the underground platform to the at least one fluid passageway of the well casing head. Methods for removing fluid from earth about an underground platform are also provided.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to fluid acquisition operations in anunderground setting. More particularly, the present disclosure relatesto well casing heads, systems, and methods for removing fluid from earthabout an underground platform.

BACKGROUND

Precious fluid acquisition has been attempted from undergroundplatforms. These platforms exist within the earth and may be related toan underground reservoir, with the underground reservoir being lateralto or even above the platform, sometimes even below the platform. Inthese underground settings, it can be difficult to perform traditionalwell operations in the acquisition of valuable fluids, such ashydrocarbon fluids, including but not limited to petroleum fluids. Thepresent disclosure provides well casing assemblies and well casingsystems as well as methods for setting casing in an undergroundplatform.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Well casing heads are provided that can include: a housing havinghousing walls extending between two ends, the housing defining a firstopening at the first end and a second opening at the second end, theopenings being in fluid communication with one another; the firstopening extending through the housing and defining a first diameter inone cross section, the second opening extending through the housing anddefining a second diameter in the one cross section, the first diameterbeing greater than the second diameter; and at least one fluidpassageway extending through a wall of the housing and into the secondopening.

Well casing systems within a wall of an underground platform are alsoprovided. The systems can include: a well casing head; a pair of tubularmembers about each other extending from the well casing head into a wallof the platform; and a void between the two members, the void extendingfrom within the underground platform to the at least one fluidpassageway of the well casing head.

Methods for removing fluid from earth about an underground platform arealso provided. The methods can include: extending an outer tubularmember to within the earth from the underground platform; extending atleast one inner tubular member within the outer tubular member to definea space between the outer and inner tubular members; coupling both theouter and inner tubular members with a well casing head, the couplingcompleting fluid communication between the space and a fluid passagewaywithin the housing of the well casing head; and removing fluid from atleast two distinct regions of the earth about the underground platform,fluid from one of the two regions being removed through the spacebetween the members, and fluid from the other of the two regions beingremoved through the inner tubular member.

Well casing assemblies are provided that can include at least one casingextending between two ends; another casing surrounding the one casingand extending between the two ends, the one and the other casingdefining a void therebetween. The well casing can further include aflange extending from the other casing, with the flange defining a spacetherein, and the space of the flange being in fluid communication withthe void defined between the casings.

Well casing systems within a wall of an underground platform are alsoprovided. The system can include a pair of tubular members about eachother extending upwardly from within the platform into a wall of theplatform. The system can further include a void between the two members,with the void extending from within the underground platform to withinthe wall of the platform. The system can also include an opening withinone of the pair of tubular members, the opening in fluid communicationwith the void.

Methods for setting casing in an underground platform are also provided.The methods can include extending a well upwardly to within a wall ofthe underground platform and providing fluid cement to within the well.The method can further include curing the cement to form a casing withinthe well.

DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the disclosure are described below with reference to thefollowing accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a depiction of an operator within an underground platform.

FIG. 2 is a depiction of an assembly and/or system of the presentdisclosure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a depiction of an assembly according to an embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 4 is a depiction of an assembly according to an embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 5 is another view of the assembly of FIG. 4 in anotherconfiguration according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is another view of the configuration of FIG. 5 according to anembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a depiction of an assembly according to an embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 8 is an example cross sectional view of the assembly according toFIGS. 4-6.

FIG. 9 is a depiction of a well casing head according to an embodimentof the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is one cross section of a well casing head according to anembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a view of the well casing head according to an embodiment ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a view of a well casing system that can be used in accordancewith the methods for removing fluid from earth about an undergroundplatform according to embodiments of the disclosure.

DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is submitted in furtherance of the constitutionalpurposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science anduseful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

The present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1-8.Referring first to FIG. 1, a subterranean underground platform 10 isdepicted. Platform 10 may include a well 12 and an operator 14. Well 12can be considered a bore hole extending outwardly from within theplatform to the earthen material surrounding the platform. This is butone example of a mine system that may utilize embodiments of the presentdisclosure. This mine system can be utilized to acquire deposits thatinclude earthen material or material bearing hydrocarbon containingfluid, such as crude oil and or/natural gas.

Well 12 may be provided at an angle extending from within the platformto within the earthen material. This angle can be at a substantiallyupward angle from within the platform. For example, the angle can extendfrom greater than zero to less than 90 degrees, particularly whenextending from a wall of the platform.

Referring next to FIG. 2, a well casing system 20 is disclosed within awall 22 of an underground platform such as underground platform 10. Thesystem can include a pair of tubular members 24 and 26, for example,about each other extending upwardly from within the platform into wall22 of the platform. In accordance with example implementations, thetubular members can be pipes of different sizes. The pipes can bedefined to where when engaged with one another, a void 28 existstherebetween. Void 28 can extend from within the platform to within wall22 of the platform. There can be an opening 30 that is in fluidcommunication with the void.

The void and/or the tubular members can extend from within the platformto within the wall of the platform at a substantially upward angle. Thisangle can be greater than zero and/or less than 90 degrees. Inaccordance with example implementations, the members can define openingsassociated with an interior portion of the platform and/or exitsassociated within wall 22 of the platform. In accordance with exampleimplementations, the openings can be at a lower elevation in relation tothe exits defined by the members and/or void.

In accordance with an example implementation, one of the members, suchas member 26, can engage wall 22 of the platform. Member 26 may alsoengage a flange 32. Accordingly, flange 32 can engage at least one ofthe pair of members.

Flange 32 can define a space 34 therein, and space 34 can be in fluidcommunication with void 28 between members 26 and 24. The flange and themembers can be constructed of metallic materials such as, but notlimited to, cast iron materials. The members may be also constructed ofpolymeric materials of sufficiently predefined strength. In accordancewith example implementations, tubular member 26 can have an innerdiameter of about 5″ and tubular member 24 can have an outside diameterof about 4½″, establishing a void 28 of approximately ½″. In accordancewith example implementations, void 28 can also have a thickness of about¾″ to about 1″.

Flange 32 can include a surface 36 having opposing walls 40 and 38extending therefrom. The surface 36 and walls 40 and 38 can establishspace 34 within flange 32. With reference to FIG. 2, flange 32 can becoupled to a fixture 42. This fixture can be a valve assembly and/orpressure measurement device, for example. The fixture can be associatedwith an opening extending to within flange 32. That opening can be influid communication with void 28 and space 34. In accordance withexample implementations, the valve fixture can be configured to be openand/or closed or releasably open and/or close. The valve assembly can beconfigured to receive a fluid cement, such as Type G oil field cement.

Referring to FIG. 3, according to another embodiment, well casingassembly 50 is shown. Well casing assembly 50 includes one casing 54extending between two ends. Another casing 56 can extend about the onecasing 54 between the two ends and define a void therebetween, notshown. FIG. 3 is shown in an exploded view indicating the arrangement ofthe assembly prior to construction or assembly. In this embodiment, theother casing is coupled to flange 62 and while not shown, flange 62defines a space therein with the space of the flange being in fluidcommunication with the void established between casing 54 and casing 56.

In assembly 50, flange 62 engages the other casing 56 and can engage theone casing 54 via coupling assemblies 74 and 76. Coupling assemblies 74and 76 can include a pressure fit seal threadably engageable to flange62 with packing materials 76 in between the pressure fit seal 74. Thesepacking materials can engage an outer portion as shown in FIG. 2 or aninner portion of the flange as shown in FIG. 3.

Flange 62 can define an opening extending to within the space not shown.This opening in FIG. 3 is coupled to a fixture 72. According to thisembodiment, fixture 72 is a valve configured to allow for the opening orclosing of fluid communication between the exterior flange 62 and thespace within flange 62 and the void between members 54 and 56. Thisfitting can be a valve configured to receive liquid cement and/or it mayalso include a pressure gauge to determine the pressure within the spaceand void established within the assembly.

Referring next to FIG. 4, assembly 100 is shown with assembly 100including at least two subcomponents, subcomponent assembly 102 that isconfigured to couple with subcomponent assembly 104. Referring first tosubcomponent assembly 102, subcomponent assembly 102 can include aflange 106 that includes openings configured to be coupled to acomplimentary flange of a conduit, for example. Flange 106 can have amember or wall 108 extending therefrom to another flange 110. Inaccordance with example implementations, member or wall 108 can extendto another wall or member 112. The alignment of walls 108 and 112 can bejuxtaposed or nonlinear, for example. In accordance with another exampleimplementation, the angle of the wall 108 in relation to flange 106 canbe other than normal, for example.

In accordance with example implementations as described herein, wall 108and/or 112, for example, can include an opening configured to receive aconduit 114 extending therethrough. Conduit 114 can have a valveattached thereto to control the flow of a substance therebetween.

Subcomponent assembly 104 can include at least two components, forexample, but may be configured as a single component. In accordance withexample implementations, each of the two components 120 can include asidewall 122 extending to a flange 124. The flange of 124 can beconfigured to couple to the flange of 110, and the sidewalls 122 can beconfigured to be received within subcomponent assembly 102, for example.

Referring next to FIG. 5, in accordance with another configuration ofassembly 100, subcomponent assembly 104 is shown engaged withinsubcomponent assembly 102. As shown, subcomponent assembly 104 defines arecess or opening 130. This opening or recess can be configured toreceive conduit therein.

Referring next to FIG. 6, an alternative view of assembly 100 is shown.In accordance with this view, subcomponent assembly 104 is showndisengaged from subcomponent assembly 102. As shown through the openingof subcomponent assembly 102, a secondary flange 140 is shown within thesubcomponent assembly 102. This secondary flange may be consistent withthe perimeter of the recess 130 defined by subcomponent assembly 104when engaged.

Referring to FIG. 7, another embodiment of assembly 100 is shown thatincludes a second valve assembly 214. This valve assembly may be placedopposing the first valve assembly 114. Valve assemblies 114 and 214 maybe the same or different configurations. For example, one of theassemblies may be configured to accept fluid while the other may beconfigured to release fluid.

Referring next to FIG. 8, a cross sectional view of assembly 100 isshown with subcomponent assembly 104 disengaged from subcomponentassembly 102. In accordance with example implementations, flange 140 isshown in this cross section, as is opening 114 within wall 108. As canbe seen from this view, subcomponent assembly 104 can engagesubcomponent assembly 102 to define an opening 130 therein. This openingcan be configured to receive conduit. In accordance with an exampleimplementation, as the conduit extends through assembly 100, and openingor a space between the conduit and walls 108 is defined that can conveya fluid through opening 114.

In accordance with example implementations, casing can be set into anunderground platform by extending a well upwardly to within the wall ofthe underground platform via bore hole for example. This bore hole isshown in FIG. 1, and the upward angle is shown in FIG. 2, for example.Fluid cement can be provided to within the well. In accordance withexample implementations, this fluid cement can be passed through aflange defining a space therein, and the space can be in fluidcommunication with a void established between two members. This fluidcement can be Type G oil field cement, and the pressure can be monitoredwhile providing this fluid cement upwardly to within the well. Inaccordance with example implementations, the fluid cement can beprovided from a downward most portion of the flange, and a pressuregauge on the uppermost portion of the flange can be provided. Uponreaching a desired pressure, somewhere between 100 psi and 500 psi, forexample, the introduction of fluid cement can be halted, and then thecement can be cured.

In accordance with example implementations, the curing of the cement toform the casing in the wall can be established. In accordance withexample implementations, setting casing in the underground platform caninclude providing a pair of tubular members to within the well,including providing the fluid cement to within a void defined betweenthe pair of tubular members. The method can also include providing fluidcement to within a flange that has a space in fluid communication withthe void established between the two members, the fluid cementsubstantially filling the space and a majority of the void extending towithin the wall. The method can finally include removing one of themembers from within the assembly within the wall. The member can be theinterior member, thereby providing a cement casing configured to receivewell drilling equipment such as hoses, additional pipes, and across thecement casing that has been established between the wall and theplatform.

Embodiments of the disclosure also provide well casing heads, systems,and methods for removing fluid from earth about an underground platform.These well casing heads, systems, and methods are described withreference to FIGS. 9-12, for example. Referring first to FIG. 9, a wellcasing head according to an embodiment of the disclosure is depicted aswell casing head 200. Well casing head 200 can have a housing 202 thatextends from one end defining a first opening at 204 to another enddefining a second opening at 206. These openings can be in fluidcommunication with one another.

The first opening at 204 can extend through housing 202 and define afirst diameter 220 (depicted in FIG. 10 for example) in one crosssection. The second opening 206 can extend through housing 202 anddefine a second diameter 222 (shown in FIG. 10, for example) in onecross section. The first diameter 220 can be greater than the seconddiameter 222, for example. Well casing head 200 can also include a fluidpassageway such as fluid passageway 212. A diametrically opposed fluidpassageway 214 can also extend through housing 202, for example. Thesefluid passageways can be in fluid connection with the opening defined byfirst diameter 222, for example, as shown in FIG. 10.

Referring next to FIG. 10, well casing head 200 can include a wall 224as well as adjoining wall 226. These walls 224 and 226 can extendbetween the first diameter 220 and the second diameter 222 to joinopenings 204 and 206, for example. In accordance with exampleimplementations, wall 226 can be other than normal in angular relationto the diameter 220, for example. As described earlier, another fluidpassageway 214 can extend through another wall of housing 202 into thesecond diameter 222. In accordance with example implementations, thisadditional fluid passageway can oppose the one fluid passageway. Inaccordance with example implementations that are not shown, these fluidpassageways can be spaced apart as well, or in juxtaposition to oneanother within the housing 202. Well casing head 200 can include aflange 208 about first opening 204. Well casing head 200 can alsoinclude flange 210 about second opening 206. In accordance with exampleimplementations, these flanges can be commensurate in diameter, allowingfor the uniform distribution of weight of the flange. In accordance withexample implementations, and as shown in FIG. 12, for example, wellcasing head 200 can also include a pressure gauge operably coupled tothe well casing. In accordance with example implementations, and withreference to FIG. 11, a view of well casing head 200 is shown as itextends from first opening 204. As shown, well casing head 200 includesflange 208, a first diameter 220, a first wall 226, and a second wall224 extending to second diameter 222 and opening 206.

In accordance with example implementations, well casing systems areprovided within a wall of an underground platform. These systems caninclude a well casing head that includes a housing having housing wallsextending between two ends with the housing defining a first opening atthe first end and a second opening at the second end. As described,these openings can be in fluid communication with one another. Thesystem can further include that same well casing head that includes atleast one fluid passageway extending through a wall of the housing andinto the second opening.

The system can further include a pair of tubular members about eachother and extending from the well casing head into a wall of theplatform. As can be seen in FIG. 12, these two members can berepresented as members 320 and 322. As can be seen, the members canestablish a void 324 between the two members, with the void extendingfrom within the underground platform to the at least one fluidpassageway 324 or 312 of the well casing head 300. As can be seen,member 320 can engage the wall 326 of the underground platform. Thiswall 326 of the underground platform can be previously provided as awell casing wall and may include but is not limited to cement. Theinterior diameter of that cement wall can establish the tubular member320, for example. In accordance with example implementations, flangessuch as flange 208 can engage wall 326, for example. As such, the flangecan engage at least one of the pair of tubular members within thesystem.

In accordance with example implementations, the one member 320 can beoutside and confine the other member 322 to define the void 324therebetween, and this outside member 320 can engage a flange of thewell casing head. In accordance with example implementations, there canbe a discontinuous portion or portion of wall 320. This discontinuousportion 330 is shown in FIG. 12. In accordance with exampleimplementations, this discontinuous portion can allow for fluidengagement of a distinct region in the earth about the platform with thevoid 324 and eventually fluid passageways 312 or 314 of the system.

In accordance with example implementations, methods are provided forremoving fluid from earth about an underground platform. These methodscan utilize the systems and well head casings as well as tubular membersof the present disclosure as shown and described herein. In accordancewith example implementations, the method can include extending an outertubular member to within the earth from the underground platform. Anexample of this outer tubular member can be the outer tubular memberestablished as 320, which can be a portion of the wall 326 as described.

The method can also include extending at least one inner tubular memberwithin the outer tubular member to define a space between the outer andinner tubular members. This inner tubular member can be inner tubularmember 322 as shown and described, and the void can be void 324 shown inFIG. 12, for example. This inner tubular member can be another cementmember, but it also may be a steel or other structurally sound orappropriate tubular member than can be utilized in underground fluidrecovery systems.

The method can also include coupling both the outer and inner tubularmembers with a well casing head. As shown in FIG. 12, this coupling canbe performed by coupling the outer member to a flange, such as flange208, and the inner member to the inner diameter 206 of well casing head202, for example. This coupling can complete fluid communication betweenthe space between the outer and inner tubular members and the fluidpassageway within the housing of the well casing head. In accordancewith example implementations, the method can include removing fluid fromat least two distinct regions of the earth about the undergroundplatform. As shown in FIG. 12, these at least two distinct regions canbe referred to as Region A and Region B. In accordance with exampleimplementations, fluid from Region A can be transported throughdiscontinuous portion 330 and into space 324 and out via a fluidpassageway. In accordance with other example implementations, the otherdistinct Region B fluid can be removed therefrom via the inner tubularmember as defined by 322. As shown in FIG. 12 and as described herein,the method can include providing fluid from one region through thediscontinuous portion 330.

In accordance with example implementations, it is contemplated thatfluid can be removed from additional regions as discontinuous portionsare defined within the outer wall. For example, Region A may be othersubsequent discontinuous portions to 330 as the system continues withinthe earth about the platform. These discontinuous portions can bealigned with different regions of the earth about the platform and in atleast some circumstances, the plurality of these discontinuous portionscan oppose each other along the outer member. In accordance with exampleimplementations, and with reference to FIG. 12, it is shown thatdiscontinuous portions 330 oppose one another.

In compliance with the statute, embodiments of the invention have beendescribed in language more or less specific as to structural andmethodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the entireinvention is not limited to the specific features and/or embodimentsshown and/or described, since the disclosed embodiments comprise formsof putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore,claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope ofthe appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with thedoctrine of equivalents.

1. A well casing head comprising: a housing having housing wallsextending between two ends, the housing defining a first opening at thefirst end and a second opening at the second end, the openings being influid communication with one another; the first opening extendingthrough the housing and defining a first diameter in one cross section,the second opening extending through the housing and defining a seconddiameter in the one cross section, the first diameter being greater thanthe second diameter; and at least one fluid passageway extending througha wall of the housing and into the second opening.
 2. The well casinghead of claim 1 further comprising a wall within the housing, the wallextending between the first and second diameters to join the openingswithin the housing.
 3. The well casing head of claim 2 wherein the wallis other than normal to the diameter of the first opening.
 4. The wellcasing head of claim 1 further comprising another fluid passagewayextending through another wall of the housing and into the secondopening.
 5. The well casing head of claim 4 wherein the other fluidpassageway opposes the one fluid passageway.
 6. The well casing head ofclaim 1 further comprising a flange extending from the first end aboutthe first opening.
 7. The well casing head of claim 1 further comprisinga flange extending from the second end about the second opening.
 8. Thewell casing head of claim 1 further comprising a pressure gauge operablycoupled to the well casing head.
 9. A well casing system within a wallof an underground platform, the system comprising: a well casing headcomprising: a housing having housing walls extending between two ends,the housing defining a first opening at the first end and a secondopening at the second end, the openings being in fluid communicationwith one another; at least one fluid passageway extending through a wallof the housing and into the second opening; a pair of tubular membersabout each other extending from the well casing head into a wall of theplatform; and a void between the two members, the void extending fromwithin the underground platform to the at least one fluid passageway ofthe well casing head.
 10. The well casing system of claim 9 wherein atleast one of the pair of tubular members engages the wall of theplatform.
 11. The well casing system of claim 9 further comprising aflange about the first opening of the well casing head, the flangeengaging at least one of the pair of members.
 12. The well casing systemof claim 11 wherein one of the members is outside and confines the otherof the members therein to define the void therebetween, the outsidemember engaging the flange.
 13. The well casing system of claim 9wherein one of the members is outside and confines the other of themembers therein to define the void therebetween, the system furthercomprising at least one discontinuous wall of the outside member withinearth about the platform.
 14. The well casing system of claim 13 whereinthe discontinuous portion of the wall is in fluid communication with thevoid between the members and the fluid passageway.
 15. A method forremoving fluid from earth about an underground platform, the methodcomprising: extending an outer tubular member to within the earth fromthe underground platform; extending at least one inner tubular memberwithin the outer tubular member to define a space between the outer andinner tubular members; coupling both the outer and inner tubular memberswith a well casing head, the coupling completing fluid communicationbetween the space and a fluid passageway within the housing of the wellcasing head; and removing fluid from at least two distinct regions ofthe earth about the underground platform, fluid from one of the tworegions being removed through the space between the members, and fluidfrom the other of the two regions being removed through the innertubular member.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the outer tubularmember defines a discontinuous portion that provides fluid communicationbetween the earth about the platform and the space, the fluid from theone region being transferred through the discontinuous portion.
 17. Themethod of claim 16 further comprising removing fluid from more than theat least two distinct regions.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein fluidis removed through a plurality of discontinuous portions aligned withdifferent regions of the earth about the platform.
 19. The method ofclaim 18 wherein at least some of the plurality of portions oppose eachother along the outer member.